July 1, 2026 — A 25-foot Onn brand cellphone charging cord reportedly caught fire, causing a burn hole in a consumer’s carpet. The incident, which occurred in Kokomo, Indiana, on June 3, 2026, highlights potential fire hazards associated with certain charging accessories, prompting concerns about consumer safety.
Product Details
Incident Overview
The incident involved a 25-foot Onn brand cellphone charging cord that was purchased by a neighbor for the reporter’s mother in April 2026. On June 3, 2026, the consumer discovered a burn hole in the carpet and identified the source as the end of the charging cord that plugs into her phone, which had caught fire. Following the discovery, the individual attempted to contact Walmart to report the issue, seeking a replacement cord of a different brand and an investigation into the cause. The consumer expressed concerns that this might not be an isolated incident and worried about potential future harm to others. As of the report date, the consumer described Walmart’s response as “unresponsive and unhelpful.”
Safety Concerns
This incident raises significant safety concerns related to electrical charging cords and potential fire hazards.
- Immediate Dangers: The most immediate danger is the risk of fire and associated burn injuries to individuals in the vicinity. Electrical fires can spread rapidly, endangering occupants and pets. The report indicates a direct ignition, which could lead to severe burns if a person were to come into contact with the burning cord or subsequent flames.
- Long-Term Risks: Beyond immediate harm, an electrical fire can cause extensive property damage, smoke inhalation injuries, and even fatalities. The presence of a burn hole in the carpet indicates that the material caught fire, underscoring the potential for more widespread structural fires.
- Who Might Be Affected: Anyone using this specific brand and type of charging cord, especially those purchased around the same time or from the same production batch, could be at risk. This includes all household members, guests, and pets. The elderly and children might be particularly vulnerable due to slower reaction times or lack of awareness of the danger.
- Property Damage Potential: As demonstrated by the burned carpet, these types of incidents can cause significant property damage. Depending on the cord’s location, proximity to flammable materials (curtains, bedding, furniture), and detection time, the fire could escalate to cause severe structural damage to homes or other properties. The consumer’s concern about “not a good ending for someone else” is a valid one, as an unattended electrical fire can quickly devastate property and lives.
What Consumers Should Do
Consumers who own an Onn 25ft cellphone charging cord, or any Onn brand charging accessory, should take the following precautions:
- Immediate Steps: If you own an Onn 25ft cellphone charging cord, immediately discontinue its use. Unplug it from both the phone and the wall outlet. Do not attempt to use it again, even if it appears undamaged.
- How to Check if You Own the Affected Product: Inspect your charging cords, particularly those purchased from Walmart under the Onn brand. Look for the “Onn” branding, and if possible, note the length of the cord. While a specific model number is not available, any 25ft Onn cellphone charging cord should be handled with caution.
- Prevention Measures:
- Regularly inspect all charging cords for signs of wear, fraying, discoloration, or bulging.
- Avoid bending or kinking cords excessively, especially near the connectors.
- Never leave charging devices unattended, particularly overnight or when away from home.
- Ensure charging cords are not placed under rugs, heavy furniture, or in areas where they can be tripped over or damaged.
- Only use charging accessories that are certified by recognized safety standards (e.g., UL, ETL) and are compatible with your device.
- Reporting Procedures: If you have experienced a similar incident or have concerns about an Onn charging cord, please report it immediately to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at www.SaferProducts.gov. You should also contact Walmart directly to report the issue and provide feedback on their customer service response.
Manufacturer’s Response
Walmart Stores Inc., identified as the manufacturer of the Onn product line, has provided a response of “Yes” to the incident report. This indicates an acknowledgment of the report. However, the consumer explicitly stated that their direct attempts to resolve the issue with Walmart were met with unresponsiveness and unhelpfulness. Consumers who encounter issues with Onn products should persist in reporting them to both the retailer and regulatory bodies to ensure that concerns are addressed.
Legal Help Available
If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product or suffered property damage due to a product malfunction, you may be entitled to compensation. The experienced product liability attorneys at Farzan Law understand the complexities of defective product cases and can help you navigate the legal process. Farzan Law is a California based Personal Injury law firm focusing on protecting the rights of those wrongfully injured.
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Note: This information is based on incident reports provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. If you find information that is incorrect, please contact us immediately so we can correct the post to reflect accurate information.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice. This article is based on publicly available incident reports. The incidents mentioned have not necessarily been independently verified or adjudicated.